This Creamy Mexican Street Corn Shrimp dish is a tasty mix of sweet corn, juicy shrimp, and a rich, creamy sauce. It’s topped with fresh cilantro and a sprinkle of cheese for extra yum!
You won’t believe how easy it is to make! I love enjoying this dish as a fun twist on tacos—just grab a tortilla, fill it up, and munch away! 🌽🦐
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Large shrimp are best for this dish as they hold up well in cooking. If you’re allergic or prefer another protein, try grilled chicken or even firm tofu for a vegetarian twist.
Corn: Fresh corn has a sweet crunch, but frozen corn works just as well! If you’re in a pinch, canned corn can be used—just drain and rinse to reduce sodium.
Cotija Cheese: This crumbly cheese adds a salty flavor. If you can’t find it, feta cheese is a great substitute. For a dairy-free option, use vegan cheese shreds or omit it altogether.
Mexican Crema: This adds creaminess, but sour cream or Greek yogurt can work too. Just adjust for taste. A squeeze of lime can also brighten the flavors!
How Can I Achieve the Perfectly Cooked Shrimp?
Cooking shrimp can be tricky, but here’s how to get it right! Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery, so timing is key. Here are some simple steps:
- Use a large skillet to give shrimp room to cook evenly.
- Cook them for just 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. They’ll continue cooking in the hot skillet even after you remove them!
Keep an eye on them and remember: it’s better to slightly undercook than overcook. Trust me, you’ll love how juicy they stay!
How to Make Creamy Mexican Street Corn Shrimp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dish:
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup Mexican crema or sour cream
- 1/2 cup crumbled Cotija cheese (or feta as a substitute)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1 jalapeño, seeded and chopped for a bit of heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish takes about 15 minutes of preparation and cooking time, making it perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a delicious weekend treat! Just a little chopping and stirring will lead you to a hearty and flavorful meal in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Garlic:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic. Sauté it until it’s fragrant, about 30 seconds. Be careful not to burn it; it should just be lightly golden!
2. Cook the Shrimp:
Now, add the shrimp to the skillet. Season them generously with salt, black pepper, chili powder, and smoked paprika. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they are pink and opaque. Once done, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
3. Roast the Corn:
In the same skillet, toss in the corn kernels. Stir occasionally and cook until the corn is just slightly charred and cooked through, which should take about 5-7 minutes. This step adds a nice sweetness and flavor to the dish!
4. Create the Creamy Mixture:
Reduce the heat to low, and stir in the mayonnaise, Mexican crema, lime juice, and half of the chopped cilantro. Mix well until the corn is coated in the rich, creamy sauce.
5. Combine Shrimp and Sauce:
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss everything gently to combine. Warm it through for another 1-2 minutes so the flavors meld together.
6. Final Touches:
Transfer the creamy corn shrimp to a serving dish. Sprinkle the top with crumbled Cotija cheese, the remaining cilantro, and if you’re feeling adventurous, add the chopped jalapeño for a spicy kick!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Creamy Mexican Street Corn Shrimp immediately while it’s warm, and add lime wedges on the side. This dish is delightful with warm tortillas or served over a bed of rice.
Enjoy your flavorful and creamy Mexican Street Corn Shrimp!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure that the shrimp are fully thawed before cooking. You can thaw them overnight in the fridge or quickly in a sealed bag submerged in cold water. Pat them dry before adding to the skillet for the best results.
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
If you like some heat, consider adding chopped jalapeño (as mentioned in the optional ingredients) or even a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can also use a spicier chili powder for an extra kick. Adjust the amount based on your taste preference!
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Yes! Simply swap out the shrimp for firm tofu or skip the protein altogether and load up on extra corn and vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. You could also add black beans for protein while keeping the creamy corn sauce to maintain the flavor.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or a bit of lime juice to freshen up the flavors.
